This Week In MMA - Derrick Lewis, Ciryl Gane Meet For Interim Title, Tatiana Suarez, Alexander Gustafsson Book Returns

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari - Zuffa LLC & Josh Hedges - Zuffa LLC

Take a look back on a week in MMA where the UFC introduced a much-criticized interim heavyweight championship to feature in the main event of UFC 265 on August 7th. -- with #2 ranked contender, Derrick Lewis and the #3 rated, Ciryl Gane contesting for the interim spoils. Undefeated Ultimate Fighter victor, Tatiana Suarez is also set for her long-awaited return to the Octagon for the first time since June of 2018 -- as she drops to the flyweight limit against former title challenger, Roxanne Modafferi.

Rescheduled once more, the UFC light heavyweight title pairing of Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira has been moved to UFC 267 on October 30th. -- and will likely take place on 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi, UAE. 

In some footage released on Monday, former GLORY kickboxing champion and Bellator middleweight Joe Schilling appears to be involved in an alleged altercation at a Fort Lauderdale, Florida steakhouse -- in which he appears to knockout a male standing at a bar. 

To the dismay of his management and Francis Ngannou, an interim heavyweight championship fight between Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane was announced to take headlining status at UFC 265 on August 7th.

Two-stint UFC veteran, Louis Smolka was forced from his UFC 264 main card opener against Sean O'Malley due to an undisclosed injury -- with promotional newcomer, Kris Moutinho meeting with the polarizing O'Malley instead on next weekend's pay-per-view card.

Headlining that event, former interim lightweight titleholder, Dustin Poirier predicted another knockout victory over former two-weight best, Conor McGregor -- claiming that the Dubliner could have all the money in the world, but hasn't got heart like he does. 

Slated for UFC 266 on September 25th. -- former top-five strawweight contender, Tatiana Suarez is expected to feature against former title chaser, Roxanne Modafferi in the former's first professional walk since June of 2019.

Former middleweight and welterweight titleholder, Georges St-Pierre also gave his verdict on the potential outcome of Poirier vs. McGregor III -- siding with his fellow former two-weight gold holder to take home a second round stoppage win over the Lafayette striker. 

Bellator featherweight champion, Cris Cyborg also reflected on her time with former stomping ground, the UFC earlier this week -- as well as her often tumultuous relationship with organizational leader, Dana White -- explaining how her decision to test Bellator waters was the best move for her career.

Launching a GoFundMe page in a bid to support her upcoming fight camp for UFC 265 -- promotional flyweight, Sarah Alpar set a goal of $30,000 by December 1st. -- and exceeded that target with donations of $5,000 from YouTuber, Jake Paul and a $25,000 donation from Triller Fight Club -- who both voiced their displeasure with Alpar's situation. 

Former three-time light heavyweight title challenger, Alexander Gustafsson also booked his Octagon return this week, in the form of a UFC Fight Night clash against surging grappler, Paul Craig on September 4th. -- which is expected to take place in London, England. 

One-time UFC middleweight title challenger, Nate Marquardt is also set to make his first mixed martial arts walk since November of 2017 -- as he features under the Titan FC banner on August 7th.